Highlights from the Music in Me Summit 2025: Where Passion Meets Practice

On July 21st, the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct came alive with the sound of 250 passionate educators, music-making, and shared inspiration as the 2025 Music in Me Summit unfolded. This full-day professional development event brought together K–6 educators from across New South Wales (and beyond!) for a celebration of music education and community.

The day was opened by Kim Williams AM, with a nod to the 10^th anniversary of the Music in Me program (back then known as the National Music Teacher Mentoring Program), and the late Richard Gill’s vision for the program.

The morning also featured the launch of Part 2 of the Let’s Sing! program, a collaboration by ABC Education and Music in Me. Attendees were treated to a live performance by the Sydney Children’s Choir and a hands-on session led by music educator Pru Borgert, showcasing Part 1 and Part 2 repertoire on the ABC Education website, and free teaching and learning resources designed by the Music in Me team to enrich classroom learning.

Photography: New Point of View

The music-making kicked off with Brett Weymark leading an all-in Big SING! setting the tone for a summit where music education wasn’t just discussed – it was experienced. Elective sessions across the day offered practical strategies and fresh ideas that could be immediately applied in the classroom. One teacher shared, “The Music in Me Summit gave me so many fresh ideas that I can use in my classroom this week! It was so practical and relevant to my music specialty. Every music teacher should come to this summit.”

Sessions were delivered by experts in the field, including Dr Rachael Jacobs; panel facilitator, Genevieve Lang; Matt Hill and Sara Lind, NSW Department of Education; Rachel Scott; Susan Sukkar and Luke Wallace, The Arts Unit; James Pensini and ensemble, Sydney Youth Orchestras; Dr Sue Lane, Orff Schulwerk NSW; Bronte Arns, Giant Steps Australia, The Autism Hub; Daniella Garnero, Tim Hansen, and musicians, Sydney Symphony Orchestra; Lachlan Massey and the Sydney Children’s Choir; Allan Watson, Optimum Percussion; Allisan Harrigan; Kate Tyson; Michelle Leonard, Moorambilla Voices; and Joanna Drimatis and Phillipa Knight, Australian Music Centre.

And trade tables included ABC Education; Indigenous Literacy Foundation; Learning For Good; Optimum Percussion; Musica Viva Australia In Schools; and Devirra Music.

Photography: New Point of View

Beyond the sessions, the summit was a powerful reminder of the joy and impact of music education. “Every music lesson matters, and students receiving a quality music education experience powerful and often life-long positive impacts,” one participant reflected. “What a joy to be working in this space every day!”

The sense of community was a highlight for many, “It was such a blessing to be in a room full of people who understand the power and beauty of music AND want to see it in the lives of all of our children. My heart is buoyed. I’ll be taking this joy and spreading it around.”

Photography: New Point of View

We are deeply appreciative of our partners and collaborators across the NSW arts sector. Special thanks to the Australian Government for ongoing support of Music in Me, and Create NSW for supporting the Music in Me Summit. Thanks also to our presenting partner, the Australian Chamber Orchestra for hosting us at the stunning Pier 2/3, and to the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs for providing exceptional spaces for our sessions.

Whether new to the field or seasoned educators, we were delighted to hear how attendees valued the day. “I have been teaching for a long time, but am so grateful that these days exist – I feel energised, motivated and inspired to keep providing quality learning experiences for all my students!”

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Music in Me Summit 2025.